2025 Must Be The Year We Prioritize Artists’ Mental Health

      Earlier this year, a story surfaced that has become a source of concern for both news outlets and music enthusiasts: Lola Young has cancelled all her upcoming tour dates to focus on her health. This announcement follows a widely circulated video showing the British artist fainting onstage during a performance. The incident was alarming to witness, and it circulated on social media from various angles. More significantly, this event has reignited an ongoing discussion within the music industry regarding artist health and the increasing pressures to perform.

      In response to the situation, Lola expressed regret, emphasizing the expectations of her fans. “I’m going away for a while. It pains me to say I have to cancel everything for the foreseeable future,” she shared in an Instagram post. “Thank you for all the love and support. I’m truly sorry to disappoint anyone who purchased a ticket to see me; it hurts me more than you can imagine. Naturally, you will be entitled to a full refund.”

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      Discussions about the pressures on artists' health have significantly improved since the beginning of the decade. Issues like addiction and income are now common topics even at the most prestigious award ceremonies. However, alongside this growing dialogue, there has also been heightened pressure for artists to overexert themselves. Due to various factors—such as parasocial relationships, a reaction to the lack of live performances during COVID, and the music industry's own dynamics—artists' schedules appear to be busier than ever, potentially leading to burnout.

      To illustrate the severity of the situation, we can look at the legendary Stevie Nicks. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Nicks remarked on the demanding tour schedule of emerging artist Chappell Roan: “A friend and I checked out her schedule, and it was outrageous. What she’s already accomplished and what’s ahead of her is as hectic as any schedule we ever had, and she’s just starting out and is young.”

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      Chappell Roan's previously discussed tour schedule was interrupted last summer when she withdrew from a headlining position at the All Things Go festival, citing her need to prioritize her physical and mental health. However, unlike the compassion Lola received, Roan faced significant backlash from fans. This kind of response is something many artists who have prioritized their well-being over touring have experienced. Sam Fender, Fontaines D.C., and Bru-C are just a few examples of artists who have encountered unfavorable reactions when placing their health first. This raises the question: what differentiates Lola Young’s situation from Roan’s? Is it the public visibility of her collapse? In essence, do we need to witness artists reach their breaking point before we pay attention?

      While discussions about mental health continue to evolve in the music world, they often seem to be overshadowed by the rising expectation for artists to be constantly available. Without measures in place to support their well-being, it is challenging for anyone to invest so much of themselves into their work on a daily basis. Yet, when that work involves increasingly busy tour schedules and millions of eyes scrutinizing their every action, the consequences can be deeply damaging. Artists owe it to their fans to be as transparent as possible. Nonetheless, it seems to be forgotten that fans also have a responsibility – to listen.

      Related: The Music Industry’s Growing Mental Health Crisis

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      Words: Lily Blakeney-Edwards

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